Setting up your Star Micronics mPOP

The Star Micronics mPOP is an all-in-one retail counter solution, that has been specifically designed for use with the iPad. Offering outstanding connectivity to your iPad POS, the mPOP links via a Bluetooth connection, forgoing the need for intrusive cables, and providing retailers (and their customers) a streamlined experience.

With a built-in receipt printer, cash drawer, stand and barcode scanner, the mPOP covers all a retail store’s bases with a slim, compact hardware design. Compatible with Hike POS, the mPOP is also easily transportable, meaning retailers can take their store on-the-road with all the necessary accouterments in hand.

As a system, clearly designed for the modern retail industry, the mPOP makes processing sale transactions a sleek affair, that acts as the perfect complement to your Hike POS.

Receipt Rolls

Configuring your mPOP device to iPad

The mPOP connects to your iPad using a Bluetooth connection, meaning that even if your internet connection falters, you will still be able to print receipts using your mPOP with Hike POS.

Before we begin setting up your mPOP to the iPad, ensure that the power cable has been plugged in, and that the barcode scanner has been connected, using the USB port. Both power and USB ports are located on the bottom of the mPOP printer.

Next, it’s time to turn your mPOP printer on.

With the cash register and receipt printer, facing towards you, you’ll notice the power switch located on the left-hand side of the machine.

Switch the button to the | position, to turn the printer on. You’ll hear a short tone and once that has successfully been done.

Now that you’ve turned on your mPOP, you’ll need to connect it with your iPad.

To do this, click on Settings (Gear Icon) on your iPad.

Once you are on the Settings screen, select the Bluetooth option, and make sure that it is toggled ON.

When ON, you will be able to have your iPad find the mPOP device – assuming your mPOP has also been turned on. Click on the Star mPOP (under My Device) and wait several moments until it shows that it has CONNECTED with the card reader.

Once that is completed, login to your Hike store – if you haven’t already – to setup the mPOP device with your store.

Begin by drawing up the Hike menu on your iPad and selecting Settings.

Once selected, click on Hardware to enable your mPOP device.

First, you will need to toggle the Active Printer button to ON. Once done, you will see a list of the searchable printers that will connect with your Hike POS.

Your mPOP printer will generally be listed as ‘Star mPOP’ but depending on your model this could differ.

As a general rule, search for the printer with ‘POP’ in the name. You may have various suffixes for things like colour (WHT, BLK) or model numbers, but the POP will be consistent amongs all mPOP printers.

When you have found the mPOP, click on USE IN HIKE > to continue the activation.

Once selected, you’ll be given a list of options from which to set-up your mPOP machine with Hike. You will be able to toggle each one ON or OFF as per your store’s requirements. Below we’ll go through these:

Primary Receipt Printer

Toggle this button ON, if you intend to use the mPOP as your first point of call for all your receipt printing.

Packing Slip / Kitchen Docket Printer

A Packing Slip or Kitchen Docket, is a receipt that the mPOP will print out with only the product name and quantity of the item sold. This is primarily used in cafes or food-truck businesses where a kitchen docket will be given to staff to make/prepare the order.

By toggling this ON, your MPOP will print the kitchen docket after it prints out the sales receipt.

Note: You can also assign a sepearate printer to print our your kitchen docket. Simply return to the Hardware screen, select the printer that you have connected, and toggle this option ON.

Number of Copies to Print For Each Sale

Select how many copies of the receipt will be printed after each sale.

Auto-Print After Sale

Toggling this button ON will automatically print a receipt after every sale, you will not need to select the option in the Enter Sale Screen on Hike.

Enable Auto-Open Cash Drawer

Toggling this button ON will automatically open the Cash Drawer after ever sale. This may be necessary in instances where you perform gift card sales or sales with coupons, and keep those cards in your cash drawer.

AllReceipt – Cloud Receipts

Once you have finished choosing your options for how mPOP will intgrate with Hike, select the BACK button, to return to the Hardware Settings.

Now, you’ll see that the Primary Printer is named next to your mPOP device. If you need to change any of the options you just selected, click on Primary Printer to return to that screen.

With your mPOP now the Primary Printer, you are free to conduct your sales on Hike. Your mPOP will print out receipts and open the cash drawer as per your speciifcations when setting the device up.

Next, we’ll got through how to use your mPOP barcode scanner, to make sales even easier!

Using your mPOP Barcode Scanner

Your mPOP device comes with a Barcode Scanner that makes it easy for retailers and staff to scan items as customers present them at the counter. Once the cashier has scanned the barcode of the product, it will automatically appear in the Enter Sale Screen in Hike.

The barcode scanner itself, is easily connected to the mPOP with the USB port connected to the bottom of the machine.

Once you have completed your mPOP setup with Hike, reading barcodes with your scanner is easily done.

Simple click on the trigger switch (b) while the scanner window (a) is facing the barcode.

When the red light is completely illuminating the barcode the LED (c) light will light up blue once, and a beep will be heard.

Caution: Be careful when reading a barcode to ensure that the red light is not being looked into or being shone into somebody’s eyes.

Once a barcode has been scanned, the item will automatically appear in your basket on the Enter Sale Screen. Proceed with the sale as usual.

List of supported barcode standards

The following barcode standards are supported.

UPC-A

UPC-E

EAN-13

EAN-8

Codabar/NW7

Code-128

Code-93

Code-39

Code-11

Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF)

Industrial 2 of 5

Matrix 2 of 5

MSI/Plessey

UK/Plessey

Telepen

RSS

RSS Limit

RSS Stack

RSS Expansion Limit

RSS Expansion Stack

Now that you’ve gone through the steps needed in order to use your mPOP, let’s walk through some of the errors you may find, and how best to troubleshoot them.

Paper Jam with mPOP

If a paper jam occurs with a receipt on your mPOP, do not try to forcibly remove the paper from the printer. We advise you to use the following steps to remove the jammed paper.

Note: When the printer cover is open, the function to store the blade will operate, so follow these steps with the power of your mPOP turned ON.

CAUTION: There is a printer head (a) inside the printer that becomes hot during printing, or right after printing. Do not touch the printer head when opening or closing the printer cover.

Follow these steps to troubleshoot a paper jam on your mPOP:

1. Pull Out Printer

First, you will need to push the front face of the printer to unlock (1) and pull out the printer (2).

2. Open Printer Cover

Next, you will need to pull the cover opening lever forward (1), to open the printer cover (2).

3. Remove Jammed Paper

Remove all jammed paper, making sure that paper fragments do not remain inside. Not removing all paper may cause another paper jam.

Confirm there is also no paper remaining in the paper roll holder or the paper exit.

Forcefully trying to remove the paper may damage the product. If you still cannot remove the paper, contact the seller.

4. Paper Setup

Set the paper up again, as according to the steps indicated in Paper Setup

Preventing Paper Jams

To prevent paper jams from happening in your mPOP you should note:

When setting the paper, pull out the paper edge in a straight line.

Do not touch the paper while it is printing, the paper is being ejected from the paper exit or before the cutting is performed.

When the Cash Drawer does not open

Before installing mPOP with Hike and while configuring the settings, or in emergencies when you cannot operate it directly from Hike, you can use the lock release lever, to open the cash drawer by hand.

Also, if the drawer open function is effective with the multi-function button, you can use the multi-function button to open the drawer.

CAUTION: This product is not equipped with security functions like a safe. When using the mPOP to deal with cash, ensure that you have taken full responsibility in its management. We will not be held responsible for any damages incurred in regard to money when using this product.

Follow these steps to troubleshoot a cash drawer that does not open:

Use the Lock Release Lever

Release the main body from being secured.

Free the mPOP device which is secured by brackets or the mount kit.

Open the Cash Drawer

With the left side or right side of mPOP at the bottom, lift (1), and operate the lock release lever located towards the back on the bottom surface (2).

Insert something slim and tapered in the hole of the lock release level (like a pen) and by sliding this to the front side (2), the cash drawer will open.

Note: As tilting the mPOP too much will cause the contents of the cash drawer to spill out when the drawer is opened, do not tilt more than necessary when lifting mPOP.

Also, be careful as the cash drawer will spring open.

Use the Multi-Function Button

If the cash drawer open function is enabled for the multi-function button, the cash drawer can be opened.

To enable or disable the multi-function button, contact the seller.

Turn Power On

Press the power switch on the side of the mPOP.

Pull Out Printer

Push the front face of the printer to unlock (1) and pull out the printer (2).

Open Cash Drawer

Press and hold (1 second or more) (1) the multi-function button (a) to open the cash drawer (2).

Note: Be careful as the cash drawer will spring open.

Understanding your LED Display

The Power LED (a) and Error LED (b) will let you know the status of mPOP, for instance if it is in normal standby, if it is waiting for Bluetooth pairing to be performed, and if an error occurs (for example if the printer is out of paper).

Normal Use

If your mPOP is in complete working order, the following LED displays will indicate what status your mPOP is in.

Power Off

Power Off/On status. There will no light being displayed.

Standby Status

Power On, Standby Status

Initializing Bluetooth

Bluetooth is being initialized.

USB charging-only device connected.

A USB peripheral besides a specified barcode reader (not a USB hub) has been connected.

When tablets and such are connected for charging, it will blink for about 5 seconds and return to the status display.

USB Hub connection

USB hub has been connected.

(USB hub cannot be used)

Will blink for about 5 seconds after the USB hub has been connected, and return to the status display.

Error Display (Automatic Recovery Error)

These errors indicate that the mPOP will move automatically to normal usage when the inside temperature of mPOP has decreased.

Stops printing due to detected high temperature for the head

Since the printer head temperature is high, printing has stopped.

When the printer head temperature returns to a normal range, printing will resume automatically.

Stops printing due to detected high temperature for the substrate

Since the substrate temperature is high, printing has stopped.

When the substrate temperature returns to a normal range, printing will resume automatically.

Error display (error in which recovery is possible)

These are errors that indicate normal usage is possible if paper is replenished or when cover is closed, or such steps are taken.

Printer open error

The printer cover is open, or the printer is not locked.

Set the paper and close the printer cover, then lock the printer and it will move to the standby status.

Out of paper error

The printer is out of paper.

Set the paper and close the printer cover, then lock the printer and it will move to the standby status.

Cash drawer open error

The cash drawer has failed to open.

Remove what is preventing the cash drawer from opening and perform the cash drawer opening operation again. When the cash drawer opens normally, it will move to the standby status.

Error display (error in which recovery is not possible)

These are error displays, where a recovery is not possible. First however, try turning the power off, and then on again. If the same error is displayed, even after the power is turned on again, contact the seller.

Cutter error

The cutter did not operate properly.

If paper is jammed, then remove the paper, reset the paper and confirm whether the error is resolved.

If the error is not resolved, try turning the power off and then on again. If the same error is displayed even after the power is turned on again, contact the seller.

Abnormal power supply voltage detection error

Supply of power is not consistent. Or, abnormality has been detected for the power unit.

Try turning the power off, and then on. Try changing the location for the electrical outlet and turn on the power again. If the same error is displayed even after the power is turned on again, contact the seller.

Printer head thermistor error

An abnormality has been detected for the printer head thermistor (temperature sensor).

Try turning the power off, and then on. If the same error is displayed even after the power is turned on again, contact the seller.

Bluetooth communication error

An abnormality has been detected on the Bluetooth module.

Try turning the power off, and then on. If the same error is displayed even after the power is turned on again, contact the seller.

Flash access error

An access error has been detected for the flash.

Try turning the power off, and then on. If the same error is displayed even after the power is turned on again, contact the seller.

EEPROM access error

An access error has been detected on the EEPROM.

Try turning the power off, and then on. If the same error is displayed even after the power is turned on again, contact the seller.

SRAM access error

An access error has been detected on the SRAM.

Try turning the power off, and then on. If the same error is displayed even after the power is turned on again, contact the seller.

Daily Maintenance of mPOP Cash Drawer & Printer

To ensure that you get the most out of your mPOP machine, it’s imperative to enable comfortable and safe use, conducting maintenance checks periodically.

Before conducting any maintenance checks however, ensure that you:

Have turned the power off, and pulled the plug from an electrical outlet.

Do not conduct maintenance checks with wet hands.

Periodically maintain the power cable.

Do no use alcohol, benzine, thinner, trichloroethylene, and ketone solvents. Also, do not dampen or damage the interior of this product during maintenance.

Do not touch any of the other interior sections in the machine, that are not otherwise noted here.

Main Unit and Cash Drawer Maintenance

Turn Power off

Turn the power off, and pull the power plug from the electrical outlet.

Wipe off the dirt of the plastic part with a soft, dry clean cloth.

If it is very dirty, mix a tiny amount of neutral detergent with water and soak it into a soft cloth, squeeze well and gently wipe off the dirt. Then wipe off the moisture with a dry soft cloth.

Printer maintenance

CAUTION

There is a thermal head (a) inside the printer that becomes hot during printing or right after printing. Do not touch the thermal head when opening or closing the printer cover.

1. Turn power off

Turn the power off, and pull the power plug from the electrical outlet.

2. Pull out printer

Push the front face of the printer to unlock (1) and pull out the printer (2).

CAUTION: Pull out the printer fully. Not doing so may damage mPOP.

3. Open printer cover

Pull the cover opening lever forward (1) to open the printer cover (2).

Thermal head

Put an alcohol solvent (ethanol, methanol, isopropyl alcohol) on a cotton swab and wipe the thermal area of the head.

Remove the blackened paper powder from the surface of the thermal head.

CAUTION

The thermal head is a part that can easily be damaged. Use a soft cloth and carefully clean the head so it does not get any scratches.

Do not clean the thermal head immediately after printing when it is still hot.

There is danger of static electricity damaging the head after the thermal head is cleaned so be careful about static electricity.

Turn the power on only after the alcohol has completely dried.

Rubber roller

Wipe the debris on the rubber roller with a dry soft cloth.

Rotate the rubber roller while cleaning to make sure that the whole roller is cleaned.

Sensor, paper roll storage space

Remove debris, dust and paper powder and such.

CAUTION

Avoid using air when removing debris, dust and paper powder from the vicinity of the sensor and paper roll storage space.

When air is used, the debris, dust and paper powder may be blown into the interior of the printer, causing malfunction and such.

Barcode reader maintenance

Exterior

CAUTION

Do not use alcohol, benzine, thinner, trichloroethylene, and ketone solvents. Do not use a mild detergent without diluting it. It may cause discoloration and deterioration in the plastic part.

Wipe off the dirt of the plastic part with a soft, dry clean cloth.

If it is very dirty, mix a tiny amount of neutral detergent with water and soak it into a soft cloth, squeeze well and gently wipe off the dirt. Then wipe off the moisture with a dry soft cloth.

Scanner window

When there is debris or dirt on the scanner window, it may take time to read the barcode or the barcode reading may fail. If the barcode scan continues to fail, carry out maintenance procedures.

Remove any dirt and dust with a dry soft and clean cloth that does not produce lint.

Make sure to dry off any remaining moisture or residue on the scanner window.

Placing Bills & Coins into mPOP

Your mPOP machine can store up to 4 types of bills and 8 types of coins. For the coin tray, the 2 dividers for the front and back can be placed in a preferred location according to your usage. For the bill tray, around 30 bills can be stored in each divided section.

The utility space (a) beneath the coin tray can be used to store bills that do not fit and other objects.

CAUTION: This product is not equipped with security functions like a safe. When using this product to deal with cash, take full responsibility in its management. We will not be held responsible for any damages incurred regarding money when using this product.

Place Bills/Coins

Firstly, open the cash drawer.

Open the cash drawer by using Hike.

Place bills/coins

Note: Smooth out any bends and folds the bills may have before storing, and make sure that the coins in the coin train do not go above the upper edges of the coin tray. It may prevent the cash drawer from opening.

Remove the drawer tray

Open the Cash Drawer

Open the cash drawer by using Hike.

Please pull out the printer fully before opening or it may damage the mPOP.

Remove the drawer tray

Lift the front side of the drawer tray and then the back side to remove.

Do the opposite to place the drawer tray in its original position.

Change the coin tray layout

Open the cash drawer

Open the cash drawer using Hike.

Remove the coin tray

Hold both sides of the coin tray when removing it.

If you hold the divider when removing the tray, the divider may come apart and the coin tray may fall.

Remove the divider

Push the hook (1) that is in front of the divider with something that is tapered and lift (2). While widening the coin tray towards the back (3), remove the divider (4).

Remove the divider in the back before removing the divider in front.

Install the divider

Push the dividers along the grooves of the coin tray.

Secure the divider hooks on the front and back side into the holes in the coin tray.

When the divider is set at the central spot (a), it will divide into 4 spaces, and when it is set to the right and left spots (b), it will divide into 6 spaces.

Insert the coin tray

Perform the steps as explained in reverse (Remove the Coin Tray) to insert the coin tray.

For more information on using the Placing Bills & Coins into your mPOP, check out the User Manual here

Paper Setup

To set-up the paper rolls that will print your receipts, follow these steps.

CAUTION

There is a printer head (a) inside the printer that becomes hot during printing, or right after printing. Do not touch the printer head when opening or closing the printer cover.

Turn power on

Set the paper with the power on to automatically feed or cue paper.

Pull out printer

Push the front face of the printer to unlock (1) and pull out the printer (2).

CAUTION- Pull out the printer fully. It may damage mPOP.

Open printer cover

Pull the cover opening lever forward (1) to open the printer cover (2).

Paper setup

Set the paper roll in the direction as shown in the illustration.

Close printer cover

Pull the end of the paper straight out (1), sandwich the paper and close the printer cover (2).

Auto Connection Function using mPOP (iOS Only)

When the wireless Bluetooth connection is disconnected while communicating with a tablet such as iPad, it is necessary to again select the mPOP name that is displayed in the setting screen for the tablet to connect.

By setting the auto connection function to ON, mPOP will automatically connect to the tablet that it was last connected to. This function makes it possible for communication between mPOP and the tablet to not have to be set each time it disconnects.

Note: The initial setting for this function differs depending on the mPOP model you are using. Confirm the initial setting of your mPOP and the following recommended settings, and use according to your usage.

Use mPOP Utility to check the current ON/OFF status and to change the setting.

Recommended setting.

ON

When using a single tablet (such as iPad) in a one-to-one format with mPOP.

OFF

When using multiple tablets (such as iPad) with mPOP, and when using an Android tablet and Windows tablet.